The plight of elite athletes
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Date
1997
Authors
Boit, M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
According to the latest statistics from the International Amateur Athletic
Federation (IAAF), elite athletes have a turnover rate of 40% annually.
When one considers a country like Kenya, with large proportion of elite
athletes, the turnover rates is even higher. The purpose of this paper is to
take a critical look at the factors which account for early retirement among
top African athletes. Many athletes that rise to fame overnight soon find
themselves in the centre stage of public and media attention, a role in
which the majority of them are ill-prepared to undertake. Consequently,
the new superstar is exposed to a culture shock which often manifests
itself in drug dependency, especially alcohol, a situation which generally
leads to premature retirement from competition. Upon retirement, some
of the elite athletes, especially the less educated, may experience another
form of culture shock, in the process of readjustment, as a result of
dramatic changes from being a super star back to a lay person. Suggestions
are provided on how to contain the high turnover rates among the
African elite athletes and how to assist them to achieve successful
readjustment upon retirement after an illustrious athletic career.
Description
A paper presented at the Africa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and dance 3rd Scientific Congress held on 11th - 15th September, 1997 at Kenyatta University
Keywords
Elite athletes, Turnover, Premature retirement, Adjustment problems